Reborn as an Extra Chapter 714: Island Felina. Part-1.
Previously on Reborn as an Extra...
The voyage to the Beast Archipelago proceeded without a hitch, thanks to Rio’s potent stealth capabilities completely cloaking the spaceship and preventing any detection.
By stabilizing the vessel's energy fluctuations, Rio enabled significantly faster travel without the risk of being discovered.
Consequently, in a mere hour, the entourage reached a concealed underground military base belonging to the Feline Beast Tribe, where they positioned the spaceship in an unobstructed area.
Following Ashtel's counsel, Rio deactivated the miasma coating just as they neared their destination, aiming to preempt any potential misunderstandings with the beast folk.
As the spaceship settled and the group disembarked, guided by Ashtel, they observed several individuals already assembled nearby, awaiting their arrival.
Dominating the front was a male figure, distinguished by cat-like, greenish-white ears and a tail adorned with fur of a similar hue.
This individual emanated an aura of assured authority, his greenish-white feline eyes glinting sharply, appearing capable of piercing through all deception.
Completely bypassing Ashtel, the man's gaze locked onto Rio. A fleeting expression of bewilderment crossed his features before being skillfully concealed, ensuring no one else detected it.
However, Rio, having dedicated himself to studying human psychology to better blend in, easily perceived the veiled emotions within those composed eyes.
‘He senses something… perhaps the legendary intuition of the beast folk is genuinely potent. Much like those fairies from the fairyland dungeon, a flicker of confusion was evident in his eyes for a moment…’
While Rio harbored a curiosity about what the man had perceived, the situation precluded any immediate inquiry, especially since the individual had already mastered the art of emotional suppression.
"Welcome, Children of Astra. Welcome to Island Felina, nestled within the Beast Archipelago. As the sovereign entity of Felina Island, the Feline Tribe extends its most cordial welcome to you all!"
"I am Riku Kotov, one of the three supreme rulers of the Beastfolk race and the chieftain of the Feline Tribe."
With a broad smile, Riku extended his hand, clasping that of Ashtel.
"I have heard a great deal about you, Sir Ashtel. Now that I have the pleasure of meeting you in person, I can affirm that you are indeed a remarkable individual…"
The SS-ranker who had previously led the beastfolk tribe and attended the 'Meeting of Gods' during the 'Supreme Tournament' event was a different individual, making this Rio's inaugural encounter with Riku.
"So, you are Riku Kotov, acclaimed as the mightiest among the beastfolk. I have long desired to meet you, but the opportunity never quite presented itself…"
"As you may already be aware, I possess a strong inclination for sparring with formidable opponents. Should the occasion arise during this visit, I would be keen to witness your prowess, Sir Riku."
Upon hearing this, Riku inclined his head in acknowledgment and responded with a smile.
"Individuals of our standing are inherently bound by duty; I can fully comprehend the constraints on personal freedom imposed by such responsibilities…"
"If circumstances permit, I too would relish the chance to gauge the true capabilities of the one hailed as the 'Strongest Man' on this planet…"
Riku graciously accepted Ashtel's challenge to a spar, fully aware that he was likely outmatched.
Despite their seemingly approachable appearance, characterized by humanoid forms and endearing furry ears and tails, mistaking Beastfolk for the weak would be a grave error.
The world's most ferocious berserkers originate from the lands of the beasts!
Beastfolk are a people unfamiliar with the concept of 'fear'!
Even when confronting superior numbers of adversaries, they would resolutely engage with their full might, as the notion of 'retreat' seldom crosses their minds!
"This is my daughter, Miki Kotov. I trust you are already acquainted with her, as she served as the primary representative for our nation's younger generation during the Supreme Tournament…"
With a gentle smile, Riku placed a hand on the head of his daughter, who stood by his side.
"It is a distinct pleasure to meet you all once more. Welcome to the Beast Archipelago!"
A joyful expression illuminated Miki's face as she promptly recognized Lia within the group and offered a friendly wave.
Lia reciprocated without hesitation, stepping forward to greet Miki with a handshake.
"It has been some time; you appear more mature and possess a greater strength than before…"
Responding to Lia's observation, Miki beamed and replied cheerfully.
"You as well, Lia. I was astonished to learn you had already attained Rank S… alas, despite my diligent efforts, I remain at the zenith of Rank A…"
"I suppose our destined duel must be deferred to a later time…"
Following her defeat at the hands of Lia during the tournament of supreme talents, Miki had requested a future duel, a challenge that Lia had readily accepted. Miki had poured all her efforts into preparation for this rematch, only to discover that Lia's cultivation had advanced so significantly that a current challenge was utterly impossible. "Don't fret, I'm confident you'll catch up eventually; I only recently attained Rank S myself..." Lia offered a consoling smile, patting Miki's shoulder, which the cat girl acknowledged with a nod. "You're right; I refuse to accept defeat now. To emulate my father's legacy, I must persevere and demonstrate my worth..." Upon hearing Miki's firm resolve, Link found himself nodding in agreement, a sentiment he deeply understood and related to.